Southern Comfort Baked Eggplant Delight
Indulge in the rich, nostalgic flavors of Southern cuisine with this delightful baked eggplant dish, lovingly inspired by the cherished recipes from Wyatt's Cafeteria in Texas. This comforting veggie casserole features tender eggplant cubes soaked in a savory blend of spices, combined with herbed breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for family gatherings or a heartwarming Sunday dinner, this dish brings a taste of tradition right to your table. Whether you enjoyed this at church potlucks or family feasts, it’s sure to evoke fond memories and create new ones. Enjoy every bite of this luscious, cheesy delight that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying!
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 lb (peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes)
Dried breadcrumbs
1/2 lb (herbed stuffing mix recommended)
Canned evaporated milk
1/2 cup (for soaking breadcrumbs)
Whole milk
1/4 cup (for soaking breadcrumbs)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Green pepper
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Celery
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
Chopped pimiento
1 tablespoon
Salt
2 teaspoons
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Dried sage
1/4 teaspoon
Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by soaking the eggplant cubes in a saltwater solution overnight or for at least six hours in the refrigerator to reduce bitterness.
2
2. Once soaked, drain the eggplant and transfer it to a medium saucepan. Cover with fresh water and simmer over medium heat until the cubes are tender, approximately 10-15 minutes.
3
3. While the eggplant cooks, place the dried breadcrumbs in a bowl and pour the canned evaporated milk over them. Allow them to soak until soft.
4
4. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add finely chopped onion, green pepper, and celery. Sauté the mixture for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
5
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tender eggplant, soaked breadcrumbs, and the sautéed vegetables. Stir to ensure even distribution.
6
6. Add the beaten eggs, chopped pimiento, salt, pepper, dried sage, and mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients into a homogenous mixture.
7
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour the eggplant mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
8
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the mixture is set.
9
9. After baking, remove the foil and generously sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
10. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this Southern Comfort Baked Eggplant Delight warm, and savor the flavors of home!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
26g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Comfort Baked Eggplant Delight?
It is a comforting veggie casserole featuring tender eggplant cubes, spices, herbed breadcrumbs, and creamy cheeses inspired by Wyatt's Cafeteria in Texas.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a vegetarian recipe.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 275 calories per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
This recipe contains 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 26g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the eggplant delight?
This dish provides 7g of protein per serving.
How should the eggplant be prepared before cooking?
The eggplant should be peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Why is the eggplant soaked in saltwater?
Soaking the eggplant in saltwater helps to reduce its natural bitterness.
How long should the eggplant soak in the saltwater solution?
It should soak overnight or for at least six hours in the refrigerator.
How long do you simmer the eggplant cubes?
Simmer the eggplant in fresh water for approximately 10-15 minutes until tender.
What type of breadcrumbs are recommended?
An herbed stuffing mix is recommended for the dried breadcrumbs.
What liquids are used to soak the breadcrumbs?
The breadcrumbs are soaked in a mixture of canned evaporated milk and whole milk.
What vegetables are sautéed for the base of the casserole?
The base includes finely chopped onion, green pepper, and celery.
How long should I sauté the vegetable mixture?
Sauté the vegetables in butter for about 15 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 slightly beaten eggs.
What spices provide the southern flavor profile?
The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and dried sage.
What is the purpose of adding pimientos?
One tablespoon of chopped pimiento is added for extra flavor and color.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish should be used?
A 2-quart baking dish is the recommended size.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, grease the dish with non-stick cooking spray before adding the mixture.
How long does the eggplant mixture bake initially?
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the mixture is set.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
When is the cheese added to the casserole?
Add the cheese after the initial 30-40 minute bake, then return to the oven for 5 minutes.
How do I know when the cheese is finished?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly before removing the dish from the oven.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
Can this dish be served immediately?
It is recommended to allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or church potlucks.
What makes this a 'Southern Comfort' dish?
It uses traditional Southern ingredients like sage, pimientos, and evaporated milk, inspired by Texas cafeteria culture.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish has a luscious, cheesy, and tender texture similar to a hearty veggie casserole.
Does the recipe use butter?
Yes, 1/4 cup of melted butter is used to sauté the vegetables.